Movies

‘Moana 2’ Announces Streaming Premiere Date

BBG News

Originally, Moana 2 was intended as a TV series for Disney+. However, during its production, Disney discovered that transforming this streaming show into a cinema release could potentially earn them hundreds of millions of dollars – and then they could still release it on streaming later. Essentially, they saw an opportunity to profit twice from the same project, and why not? Moana 2 isn’t like Snow White, where one taste is enough!

Indeed, the release of Moana 2 in cinemas last fall generated an impressive $1.05 billion globally, despite mixed reviews and moderate audience responses. Now, having replenished Disney’s coffers, it’s moving to its intended destination as Disney has announced its premiere on Disney+ within a few weeks.

Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson return to their characters: Moana, an adventurous sea explorer, and Maui, a witty demigod. In this adventure, they seek a lost island that has the power to bring together the diverse inhabitants of the ocean. To achieve this goal, they must gather a fresh team for their vessel, encountering a vengeful deity on their journey.

In my opinion, Cravalho and Johnson fit perfectly into their characters, and Moana 2 delivers the vibrant and lively animation that Disney is known for. However, I felt disappointed with the songs in the movie. To be honest, they didn’t compare to the iconic tunes from the original Moana. It was particularly noticeable that Lin-Manuel Miranda wasn’t part of Moana 2’s crew, as his absence was definitely felt.

As I wrote in my review…

In the original Moana, the songs were its main asset; however, for Moana 2, it seems that the music is a significant drawback. The first movie boasted hits like “Shiny,” “Where You Are,” and the powerful ballad “How Far I’ll Go.” Unfortunately, while the new film attempts to create tracks in those genres, none have managed to be as catchy or impactful as their predecessors.

Instead of urging people to flock to the cinema for Moana 2, it’s more suitable for streaming. If you enjoyed the original movie and have a Disney+ subscription, there’s no additional cost to watch Moana 2 upon its release on March 12. And if they decide to make a third installment as suggested by the post-credits scene, I hope they can persuade Lin-Manuel Miranda to contribute some tunes again.

Sign up for Disney+ here.

The Best Movie Musicals For People Who Hate Movie Musicals

The Band Wagon (1953)

It appears that one common issue for many viewers regarding musicals is the unexpected appearances of characters singing without a clear narrative reason. If you’re new to the world of musicals, it might be more appealing to begin with films that have reasons for their music. For instance, in Vincente Minnelli’s “The Band Wagon,” the characters are preparing for a Broadway show. Although they don’t only perform the movie’s songs on stage, these individuals are deeply involved in the world of theater. Consequently, their musical segments become more acceptable. Additionally, when the performers are as talented dancers as Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, the need for justification becomes less important.

The Blues Brothers (1980)

In a different context, the realm of rock and roll has also been a popular backdrop for musicals. It has birthed some of the most iconic movie musicals and stories that are easier to grasp from a logical standpoint. For instance, take “The Blues Brothers” – it features exhilarating concert scenes like Jake and Elwood Blues (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd) electrifying a packed crowd at the Palace Hotel Ballroom with their performance of “Everybody Needs Somebody to Live.” Other moments are more imaginative, depicting the Blues Brothers and their bandmates dancing through Chicago’s streets and cafes. These scenes align well with the narrative of “The Blues Brothers,” which revolves around the nearly all-powerful influence of rock, blues, and soul in uniting people through the shared passion for music.

A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

Discussing unmissable rock music, a film starring the legendary Beatles is certainly a good choice. “A Hard Day’s Night” offers iconic Beatles songs such as “I Should Have Known Better,” “She Loves You,” and the title track, along with many others. The movie presents these tunes during both live performances and lighter scenes, like when the Beatles escape rehearsals for a moment of freedom, dancing (and even flying) to the beat of “Can’t Buy Me Love.” It’s hard to find anyone grumpy enough to complain about the Beatles singing without a specific reason!

La La Land (2016)

We’re getting nearer to a genuine movie where people spontaneously break into song without any particular reason, and that’s what we have here with “La La Land”. Interestingly, Ryan Gosling’s character is a jazz musician, so music seems to flow effortlessly from him (and indeed, others who aren’t musicians as well) in these instances of musical talent. If the portrayal of this phenomenon rubs you the wrong way (and if it does, I can explain hackles are a term for someone’s emotional response that gets raised when they feel threatened or defensive), “La La Land” is still about ordinary and identifiable characters. They may live in a world that is vivid and colorful, but their experiences remain grounded and relatable.

For a while, “La La Land” was seen as the antagonist during the awards season because it was up for Oscars against the even more beloved (and also exceptional!) “Moonlight”. If this aspect or its musical nature kept you from watching it earlier, now is the perfect time to change your mind and explore a city under the starlight. The stars are shining just for you.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

If you can believe in mermaids frolicking in the ocean with shell bikinis, it’s not too much to imagine that they might occasionally break into song as well. And what songs they sing: “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and more. Often remembered as a fantastic animated film, The Little Mermaid is also undeniably a wonderful musical.

In this rephrased version, I’ve tried to maintain the original’s tone while making it more conversational and easier to read.

One From the Heart (1981)

If you appreciate music but find singing in movies off-putting, consider watching “One From the Heart,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The majority of the scenes are accompanied by original songs written and sung by Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle, which add depth to the onscreen action. However, the characters themselves do not sing, so you can enjoy the heightened emotions and stylish visuals typically found in musicals, without the onscreen singing. (Though I understand if it’s a personal preference.)

Note that a newly restored 4K version of the film, titled “One From the Heart: Reprise,” is currently being screened in national theaters. This shorter cut (approximately 15 minutes shorter than the original) may not appeal to everyone, but it’s still a captivating watch, especially on a large screen.

RRR (2022)

In contrast to American movies that traditionally treat action and music as distinct genres, Indian cinema often intertwines them, highlighting the parallel between their dance-like movements. If you’re a fan of intricate action choreography, I recommend watching “RRR“, a recent global sensation that blends epic battle scenes with equally spectacular musical sequences. The actors, N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan, execute their dance moves with the same fervor as their punches and kicks, and the entire film radiates an electrifying, infectious energy.

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

This film is a classic Hollywood musical, hailing from the golden era of these productions, yet it seamlessly blends singing, dancing, and humor within its narrative. The performers in this case are renowned movie stars adapting to the shift from silent to sound cinema. I challenge anyone not to be captivated by Donald O’Connor’s performance, which includes singing, dancing, flipping, and even a delightful chuckle as he sings “Make ’Em Laugh.” I double-dog dare you not to find enjoyment in it!

Sing Street (2016)

John Carney, an acclaimed Irish filmmaker, is leading the contemporary wave of movie musicals that are both relevant and well-written. His films, brimming with songs born from the emotions and vocations of his characters, are generally excellent choices to watch. However, among all his works, my top pick is “Sing Street,” a semi-autobiographical account of Carney’s teenage years in Dublin. In this new school, Conor (played by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) finds his niche through an unusual means: by creating a band and composing songs, primarily to catch the eye of a girl he admires. The movie features a delightful ’80s pop soundtrack that plays in low-fi music videos, school events, and notably, in a dream sequence where Conor envisions himself delivering a captivating performance that appears to resolve all his life’s troubles. If only life were like a musical, it would certainly be more entertaining!

A Star Is Born (2018)

One reason I can’t comprehend individuals who dislike musicals is because they are the only genre that captivates me with a unique spectacle: Characters expressing their love for each other through harmonious singing. There’s something incredibly romantic about it, and I can’t quite explain why, but I am drawn to it. Bradley Cooper’s film, “A Star Is Born,” is a recent instance that showcases this well, as his character, Jackson Maine, develops an affection for Ally, portrayed by Lady Gaga, through their synchronized musical performances. If you’re wary of the perceived artificiality in some musicals, “A Star Is Born” might appeal to you; Cooper opted to use actual concerts performed by other artists to make Jackson and Ally’s duets as genuine as possible.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

In the magical realm of Oz, where talking scarecrows and courageous lions exist, it seems perfectly normal when they burst into song. Even before Dorothy sets foot on the rainbow and is transported to the vibrant Land of Oz, she’s already singing. In the extraordinary setting of The Wizard of Oz, it just fits right in.

The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967)

Once you’ve enjoyed some of the movies on this list and feel ready for a more musically focused experience, consider Jacques Demy’s “The Young Girls of Rochefort”. It shares a show business backdrop; the title characters (portrayed by real-life sisters Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac), are twin sisters who instruct piano and ballet. They aspire for lives on Parisian stages. Theatrical performances are also interspersed, but this film is filled with various musical sequences. It’s not all singing (for that, see Demy’s masterpiece “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”), but “The Young Girls of Rochefort” does feature a lot of spontaneous singing and dancing. In Demy’s vibrant, Cherbourg (he is known for painting hundreds of shutters to match the city’s backdrops with the extravagant costumes and movements), characters express their deepest feelings to the rhythm of jazzy Michel Legrand tunes. It’s truly delightful.

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2025-02-25 18:54

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